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Ren X, Wang X, Zheng G, Wang S, Wang Q, Yuan M, Xu T, Xu J, Huang P, Ge M. Targeting one-carbon metabolism for cancer immunotherapy. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1521. [PMID: 38279895 PMCID: PMC10819114 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One-carbon (1C) metabolism is a metabolic network that plays essential roles in biological reactions. In 1C metabolism, a series of nutrients are used to fuel metabolic pathways, including nucleotide metabolism, amino acid metabolism, cellular redox defence and epigenetic maintenance. At present, 1C metabolism is considered the hallmark of cancer. The 1C units obtained from the metabolic pathways increase the proliferation rate of cancer cells. In addition, anticancer drugs, such as methotrexate, which target 1C metabolism, have long been used in the clinic. In terms of immunotherapy, 1C metabolism has been used to explore biomarkers connected with immunotherapy response and immune-related adverse events in patients. METHODS We collected numerous literatures to explain the roles of one-carbon metabolism in cancer immunotherapy. RESULTS In this review, we focus on the important pathways in 1C metabolism and the function of 1C metabolism enzymes in cancer immunotherapy. Then, we summarise the inhibitors acting on 1C metabolism and their potential application on cancer immunotherapy. Finally, we provide a viewpoint and conclusion regarding the opportunities and challenges of targeting 1C metabolism for cancer immunotherapy in clinical practicability in the future. CONCLUSION Targeting one-carbon metabolism is useful for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Ren
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryOtolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital)Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Malignant TumorHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Department of PathologyCancer CenterZhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital)Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of PharmacyAffiliated Hangzhou First People's HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Guowan Zheng
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryOtolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital)Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Malignant TumorHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of PharmacyCenter for Clinical PharmacyCancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Qiyue Wang
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryOtolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital)Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Malignant TumorHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Mengnan Yuan
- Department of PharmacyCenter for Clinical PharmacyCancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Tong Xu
- Department of PharmacyCenter for Clinical PharmacyCancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Jiajie Xu
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryOtolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital)Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Malignant TumorHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of PharmacyCenter for Clinical PharmacyCancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Minghua Ge
- Department of Head and Neck SurgeryOtolaryngology & Head and Neck Center, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital)Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Malignant TumorHangzhouZhejiangChina
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2
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Saxena VK, Vedamurthy G, Singh R. A novel concept of Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate permeability in E.coli for modulating the heterologous expression of PLP dependent proteins. Process Biochem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2021.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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3
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Zhao LN, Björklund M, Caldez MJ, Zheng J, Kaldis P. Therapeutic targeting of the mitochondrial one-carbon pathway: perspectives, pitfalls, and potential. Oncogene 2021; 40:2339-2354. [PMID: 33664451 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01695-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Most of the drugs currently prescribed for cancer treatment are riddled with substantial side effects. In order to develop more effective and specific strategies to treat cancer, it is of importance to understand the biology of drug targets, particularly the newly emerging ones. A comprehensive evaluation of these targets will benefit drug development with increased likelihood for success in clinical trials. The folate-mediated one-carbon (1C) metabolism pathway has drawn renewed attention as it is often hyperactivated in cancer and inhibition of this pathway displays promise in developing anticancer treatment with fewer side effects. Here, we systematically review individual enzymes in the 1C pathway and their compartmentalization to mitochondria and cytosol. Based on these insight, we conclude that (1) except the known 1C targets (DHFR, GART, and TYMS), MTHFD2 emerges as good drug target, especially for treating hematopoietic cancers such as CLL, AML, and T-cell lymphoma; (2) SHMT2 and MTHFD1L are potential drug targets; and (3) MTHFD2L and ALDH1L2 should not be considered as drug targets. We highlight MTHFD2 as an excellent therapeutic target and SHMT2 as a complementary target based on structural/biochemical considerations and up-to-date inhibitor development, which underscores the perspectives of their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Na Zhao
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Mikael Björklund
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh (ZJU-UoE) Institute, Haining, Zhejiang, PR China.,2nd Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Matias J Caldez
- Laboratory of Host Defense, The World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC), Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jie Zheng
- School of Information Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Philipp Kaldis
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
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4
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Yang C, Zhang J, Liao M, Yang Y, Wang Y, Yuan Y, Ouyang L. Folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism: a targeting strategy in cancer therapy. Drug Discov Today 2020; 26:817-825. [PMID: 33316375 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism (FOCM) supports vital events for the growth and survival of proliferating cells. Nucleotide synthesis and DNA methylation are the biochemical bases of cancers that are highly dependent on FOCM. Recent studies revealed that FOCM is connected with redox homeostasis and epigenetics in cancer. Furthermore, folate-metabolizing enzymes, such as serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2) and methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 2 (MTHFD2), are associated with the development of cancers, including breast cancer, highlighting their potential application in tumor-targeted therapy. Therefore, targeting metabolizing enzymes, especially SHMT2 and MTHFD2, provides a novel strategy for cancer treatment. In this review, we outline current understanding of the functions of SHMT2 and MTHFD2, discussing their expression, potential functions, and regulatory mechanism in cancers. Furthermore, we discuss examples of inhibitors of SHMT2 and MTHFD2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China
| | - Minru Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China
| | - Yushang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China; Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Medical School/West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China.
| | - Yong Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China; Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China.
| | - Liang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China; The Research Units of West China, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China.
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5
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Scaletti E, Jemth AS, Helleday T, Stenmark P. Structural basis of inhibition of the human serine hydroxymethyltransferase SHMT2 by antifolate drugs. FEBS Lett 2019; 593:1863-1873. [PMID: 31127856 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) is the major source of 1-carbon units required for nucleotide synthesis. Humans have cytosolic (SHMT1) and mitochondrial (SHMT2) isoforms, which are upregulated in numerous cancers, making the enzyme an attractive drug target. Here, we show that the antifolates lometrexol and pemetrexed are inhibitors of SHMT2 and solve the first SHMT2-antifolate structures. The antifolates display large differences in their hydrogen bond networks despite their similarity. Lometrexol was found to be the best hSHMT1/2 inhibitor from a panel antifolates. Comparison of apo hSHMT1 with antifolate bound hSHMT2 indicates a highly conserved active site architecture. This structural information offers insights as to how these compounds could be improved to produce more potent and specific inhibitors of this emerging anti-cancer drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Scaletti
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Sweden.,Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sofie Jemth
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Helleday
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Weston Park Cancer Centre, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Pål Stenmark
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Sweden.,Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Sweden
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6
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Marani M, Paone A, Fiascarelli A, Macone A, Gargano M, Rinaldo S, Giardina G, Pontecorvi V, Koes D, McDermott L, Yang T, Paiardini A, Contestabile R, Cutruzzolà F. A pyrazolopyran derivative preferentially inhibits the activity of human cytosolic serine hydroxymethyltransferase and induces cell death in lung cancer cells. Oncotarget 2016; 7:4570-83. [PMID: 26717037 PMCID: PMC4826227 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) is a central enzyme in the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells, providing activated one-carbon units in the serine-glycine one-carbon metabolism. Previous studies demonstrated that the cytoplasmic isoform of SHMT (SHMT1) plays a relevant role in lung cancer. SHMT1 is overexpressed in lung cancer patients and NSCLC cell lines. Moreover, SHMT1 is required to maintain DNA integrity. Depletion in lung cancer cell lines causes cell cycle arrest and uracil accumulation and ultimately leads to apoptosis. We found that a pyrazolopyran compound, namely 2.12, preferentially inhibits SHMT1 compared to the mitochondrial counterpart SHMT2. Computational and crystallographic approaches suggest binding at the active site of SHMT1 and a competitive inhibition mechanism. A radio isotopic activity assay shows that inhibition of SHMT by 2.12 also occurs in living cells. Moreover, administration of 2.12 in A549 and H1299 lung cancer cell lines causes apoptosis at LD50 34 μM and rescue experiments underlined selectivity towards SHMT1. These data not only further highlight the relevance of the cytoplasmic isoform SHMT1 in lung cancer but, more importantly, demonstrate that, at least in vitro, it is possible to find selective inhibitors against one specific isoform of SHMT, a key target in metabolic reprogramming of many cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Marani
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Alessio Paone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Alessio Fiascarelli
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Alberto Macone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Maurizio Gargano
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Serena Rinaldo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giardina
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Valentino Pontecorvi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - David Koes
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Lee McDermott
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Tianyi Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Cristol 63, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80302, USA
| | - Alessandro Paiardini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Roberto Contestabile
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Francesca Cutruzzolà
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
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7
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Paiardini A, Fiascarelli A, Rinaldo S, Daidone F, Giardina G, Koes DR, Parroni A, Montini G, Marani M, Paone A, McDermott LA, Contestabile R, Cutruzzolà F. Screening and in vitro testing of antifolate inhibitors of human cytosolic serine hydroxymethyltransferase. ChemMedChem 2015; 10:490-7. [PMID: 25677305 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells toward serine catabolism is now recognized as a hallmark of cancer. Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT), the enzyme providing one-carbon units by converting serine and tetrahydrofolate (H4 PteGlu) to glycine and 5,10-CH2 -H4 PteGlu, therefore represents a target of interest in developing new chemotherapeutic drugs. In this study, 13 folate analogues under clinical evaluation or in therapeutic use were in silico screened against SHMT, ultimately identifying four antifolate agents worthy of closer evaluation. The interaction mode of SHMT with these four antifolate drugs (lometrexol, nolatrexed, raltitrexed, and methotrexate) was assessed. The mechanism of SHMT inhibition by the selected antifolate agents was investigated in vitro using the human cytosolic isozyme. The results of this study showed that lometrexol competitively inhibits SHMT with inhibition constant (Ki ) values in the low micromolar. The binding mode of lometrexol to SHMT was further investigated by molecular docking. These results thus provide insights into the mechanism of action of antifolate drugs and constitute the basis for the rational design of novel and more potent inhibitors of SHMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Paiardini
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, Roma 00185 (Italy)
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8
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Ngo HPT, Cerqueira NMFSA, Kim JK, Hong MK, Fernandes PA, Ramos MJ, Kang LW. PLP undergoes conformational changes during the course of an enzymatic reaction. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 70:596-606. [DOI: 10.1107/s1399004713031283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 11/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Numerous enzymes, such as the pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzymes, require cofactors for their activities. Using X-ray crystallography, structural snapshots of the L-serine dehydratase catalytic reaction of a bacterial PLP-dependent enzyme were determined. In the structures, the dihedral angle between the pyridine ring and the Schiff-base linkage of PLP varied from 18° to 52°. It is proposed that the organic cofactor PLP directly catalyzes reactions by active conformational changes, and the novel catalytic mechanism involving the PLP cofactor was confirmed by high-level quantum-mechanical calculations. The conformational change was essential for nucleophilic attack of the substrate on PLP, for concerted proton transfer from the substrate to the protein and for directing carbanion formation of the substrate. Over the whole catalytic cycle, the organic cofactor catalyzes a series of reactions, like the enzyme. The conformational change of the PLP cofactor in catalysis serves as a starting point for identifying the previously unknown catalytic roles of organic cofactors.
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9
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Singh R, Avliyakulov NK, Braga M, Haykinson MJ, Martinez L, Singh V, Parveen M, Chaudhuri G, Pervin S. Proteomic identification of mitochondrial targets of arginase in human breast cancer. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79242. [PMID: 24223914 PMCID: PMC3818427 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously reported arginase expression in human breast cancer cells and demonstrated that the inhibition of arginase by Nω hydroxy L-arginine (NOHA) in MDA-MB-468 cells induces apoptosis. However, arginase expression and its possible molecular targets in human breast tumor samples and potential clinical implications have not been fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrate arginase expression in human breast tumor samples, and several established breast cancer cell lines, in which NOHA treatment selectively inhibits cell proliferation. The over-expression of Bcl2 in MDA-MB-468 cells abolished NOHA-induced apoptosis, suggesting that the mitochondria may be the main site of NOHA’s action. We, therefore, undertook a proteomics approach to identify key mitochondrial targets of arginase in MDA-MB-468 cells. We identified 54 non-mitochondrial and 13 mitochondrial proteins that were differentially expressed in control and NOHA treated groups. Mitochondrial serine hydroxymethyltransferase (mSHMT) was identified as one of the most promising targets of arginase. Both arginase II (Arg II) and mSHMT expressions were higher in human breast tumor tissues compared to the matched normal and there was a strong correlation between Arg II and mSHMT protein expression. MDA-MB-468 xenografts had significant upregulation of Arg II expression that preceded the induction of mSHMT expression. Small inhibitory RNA (siRNA)-mediated inhibition of Arg II in MDA-MB-468 and HCC-1806 cells led to significant inhibition of both the mSHMT gene and protein expression. As mSHMT is a key player in folate metabolism, our data provides a novel link between arginine and folate metabolism in human breast cancer, both of which are critical for tumor cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajan Singh
- Internal Medicine, Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Nuraly K. Avliyakulov
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Melissa Braga
- Internal Medicine, Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Haykinson
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Luis Martinez
- Internal Medicine, Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Vikash Singh
- Internal Medicine, Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Meher Parveen
- Internal Medicine, Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Gautam Chaudhuri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Shehla Pervin
- Internal Medicine, Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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10
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Glycine consumption and mitochondrial serine hydroxymethyltransferase in cancer cells: The heme connection. Med Hypotheses 2013; 80:633-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2013.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Revised: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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11
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan M Kompis
- ARPIDA Ltd, Dammstrasse 36, 4142 Münchenstein, Switzerland
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12
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Abstract
Pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzymes are unrivaled in the diversity of reactions that they catalyze. New structural data have paved the way for targeted mutagenesis and mechanistic studies and have provided a framework for interpretation of those results. Together, these complementary approaches yield new insight into function, particularly in understanding the origins of substrate and reaction type specificity. The combination of new sequences and structures enables better reconstruction of their evolutionary heritage and illuminates unrecognized similarities within this diverse group of enzymes. The important metabolic roles of many PLP-dependent enzymes drive efforts to design specific inhibitors, which are now guided by the availability of comprehensive structural and functional databases. Better understanding of the function of this important group of enzymes is crucial not only for inhibitor design, but also for the design of improved protein-based catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Eliot
- Department of Chemistry University of California, Berkeley, California 94720-3206, USA.
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13
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Eliot AC, Kirsch JF. Avoiding the road less traveled: how the topology of enzyme-substrate complexes can dictate product selection. Acc Chem Res 2003; 36:757-65. [PMID: 14567709 DOI: 10.1021/ar0202767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Enzymes are remarkable not only in their ability to enhance reaction rates, but also because they do so selectively, directing reactive intermediates toward only one of multiple potential products. 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase and 7,8-diaminopelargonic acid synthase are pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent enzymes that utilize S-adenosyl-l-methionine as a substrate but yield different products. The former produces ACC by alpha,gamma-elimination, while the latter makes S-adenosyl-4-methylthio-2-oxobutanoate by transamination. The mechanisms of these two reactions are the same up to the formation of a quinonoid intermediate, from which they diverge. This Account explores how the active-site topology of the enzyme-intermediate complexes decides this pathway bifurcation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Eliot
- Department of Chemistry, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720-3206, USA
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14
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Snell K, Baumann U, Byrne PC, Chave KJ, Renwick SB, Sanders PG, Whitehouse SK. The genetic organization and protein crystallographic structure of human serine hydroxymethyltransferase. ADVANCES IN ENZYME REGULATION 2000; 40:353-403. [PMID: 10828359 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-2571(99)00035-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K Snell
- Section of Structural Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, University of London, SW7 3RP, London, UK.
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15
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Rao NA, Talwar R, Savithri HS. Molecular organization, catalytic mechanism and function of serine hydroxymethyltransferase--a potential target for cancer chemotherapy. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2000; 32:405-16. [PMID: 10762066 DOI: 10.1016/s1357-2725(99)00126-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Serine hydroxymethyltransferase, a pyridoxal-5'-phosphate dependent enzyme, catalyzes the retro-aldol cleavage of serine to yield glycine and the hydroxymethyl group is transferred to 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate to generate 5,10-methylene-H4-folate. The enzyme plays a pivotal role in channeling metabolites between amino acid and nucleotide metabolism. Dihydrofolate reductase and thymidylate synthase have been favorite targets for the development of anticancer drugs. However, development of resistance to drugs, due to a variety of reasons, has necessitated the identification of alternate targets for cancer chemotherapy and serine hydroxymethyltransferase is one such potential target. A detailed study of the kinetics of interaction of serine and folate analogs with this enzyme revealed several unique features that can be exploited for the design of new chemotherapeutic agents. The pathways for the reversible unfolding of the dimeric Escherichia coli and the tetrameric sheep liver enzyme, although different, revealed a requirement for the cofactor in the final step for generating an active enzyme. The gly A gene of Escherichia coli has been shown to code for this enzyme. Analysis of available gene sequences indicate that serine hydroxymethyltransferase is one of the most highly conserved proteins. The isolation of the cDNA clones for the enzyme and their overexpression in heterologous systems has enabled the probing of the molecular mechanisms of catalysis and the role of lysine, arginine and histidine in cofactor, substrate(s) binding and in maintaining the structure of the protein. Recently, the three-dimensional structure of the human liver serine hydroxymethyltransferase has been published. This, along with the information already available, provides a framework for the rational design of drugs targeted specifically towards this enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Rao
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
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Renwick SB, Snell K, Baumann U. The crystal structure of human cytosolic serine hydroxymethyltransferase: a target for cancer chemotherapy. Structure 1998; 6:1105-16. [PMID: 9753690 DOI: 10.1016/s0969-2126(98)00112-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) is a ubiquitous enzyme found in all prokaryotes and eukaryotes. As an enzyme of the thymidylate synthase metabolic cycle, SHMT catalyses the retro-aldol cleavage of serine to glycine, with the resulting hydroxymethyl group being transferred to tetrahydrofolate to form 5, 10-methylene-tetrahydrofolate. The latter is the major source of one-carbon units in metabolism. Elevated SHMT activity has been shown to be coupled to the increased demand for DNA synthesis in rapidly proliferating cells, particularly tumour cells. Consequently, the central role of SHMT in nucleotide biosynthesis makes it an attractive target for cancer chemotherapy. RESULTS We have solved the crystal structure of human cytosolic SHMT by multiple isomorphous replacement to 2.65 A resolution. The monomer has a fold typical for alpha class pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) dependent enzymes. The tetramer association is best described as a 'dimer of dimers' where residues from both subunits of one 'tight' dimer contribute to the active site. CONCLUSIONS The crystal structure shows the evolutionary relationship between SHMT and other alpha class PLP-dependent enzymes, as the fold is highly conserved. Many of the results of site-directed mutagenesis studies can easily be rationalised or re-interpreted in light of the structure presented here. For example, His 151 is not the catalytic base, contrary to the findings of others. A mechanism for the cleavage of serine to glycine and formaldehyde is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S B Renwick
- Section of Structural Biology Institute of Cancer Research University of London Cotswold Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5NG, Celltech plc 216 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 4EN, UK
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Webb HK, Matthews RG. 4-Chlorothreonine is substrate, mechanistic probe, and mechanism-based inactivator of serine hydroxymethyltransferase. J Biol Chem 1995; 270:17204-9. [PMID: 7615518 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.270.29.17204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Serine hydroxymethyltransferase catalyzes the cleavage of a variety of beta-hydroxy-L-amino acids to form glycine and aldehyde products. 4-chloro-L-threonine has been synthesized and shown to be both a substrate and a mechanism-based inactivator of serine hydroxymethyltransferase. kcat values for the formation of glycine in the absence of tetrahydrofolate were determined for 4-chloro-L-threonine and other beta-hydroxyamino acid substrates; an inverse relationship between the rate of cleavage of the amino acid and the electrophilicity of the product aldehyde was demonstrated. 4-Chloro-L-threonine inactivates serine hydroxymethyltransferase in a time- and concentration-dependent manner and exhibits saturation of the rate of inactivation at high concentrations. Our evidence suggests that 4-chlorothreonine undergoes aldol cleavage, and generation of chloroacetaldehyde at the active site of the enzyme results in inactivation. Serine or glycine protect the enzyme against inactivation by chlorothreonine, while tetrahydrofolate does not. The enzyme is also protected from inactivation by 2-mercaptoethanol or by alcohol dehydrogenase and NADH. These studies suggest that halothreonine derivatives that generate electrophilic aldehyde products will be effective inhibitors of serine hydroxymethyltransferase and might be potentially useful chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- H K Webb
- Biophysics Research Division, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA
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Snell K, Fell DA. Metabolic control analysis of mammalian serine metabolism. ADVANCES IN ENZYME REGULATION 1990; 30:13-32. [PMID: 2119548 DOI: 10.1016/0065-2571(90)90006-n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
(1) Mammalian serine metabolism is discussed in relation to its synthesis and utilization in proliferating cells, particularly during the nonmalignant proliferation of lymphocytes. (2) An analysis of the control of serine biosynthesis de novo under conditions of high pathway flux has been carried out using metabolic control theory. (3) The important and novel conclusions are that control of pathway flux is localized exclusively at the final step of this biosynthetic pathway, phosphoserine phosphatase. This conclusion challenges the frequently stated maxim that control of biosynthetic pathways is always directed at the first pathway enzyme in a sequence. In the case of phosphoserine phosphatase, the enzyme is inhibited uncompetitively by its product serine, and this feedback control mechanism has the most significant controlling influence on overall pathway flux. Thus, the serine biosynthesis pathway, under these conditions, is controlled by product demand (serine utilization) and not by substrate supply (glycolytic provision of 3-phosphoglycerate), despite the high rate of glycolysis associated with cell proliferation. (4) The control structure of the pathway is not immutable. As has been observed with other pathways analyzed by metabolic control theory, the key points of control in the pathway can shift according to physiological circumstances. At low pathway flux, the control of serine biosynthesis is shared between all the component enzymes of the pathway, and the responsiveness of flux shifts from product demand to substrate supply. (5) Serine utilization has been studied in mitogenically-stimulated human peripheral lymphocytes. Cell proliferation and serine utilization for nucleic acid synthesis have been shown to be responsive to serine concentrations in the normal plasma range. (6) It is concluded that the maintenance of normal plasma serine concentrations is an important factor in the rate of lymphocyte proliferation and hence the effectiveness with which the body can mount an immune response to an antigenic challenge, such as in infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Snell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Surrey, Guildford, U.K
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